ART EXHIBITION IN THE SARJEANT GALLERY

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 February 1949, Page 4

ART EXHIBITION IN THE SARJEANT GALLERY

Opening By Director Of National Gallery

Stating the Sarjeant Gallery was most attractive and set in ideal surroundings, Mr. Stewart B. McLennan, A.R.C.A., Director of the National Gallery, Wellington, said the annual exhibition of the Wanganui Art Society was well established.

Mr. McLennan was the guest speaker at the opening of the exhibition of the Wanganui Society yesterday afternoon, in the gallery. The present exhibition, said Mr. McLennan, was the first he had seen outside of Wellington in about 10 years, and it was refreshing to see new Helds of endeavour in the world of art.

The speaker said he was agreeably surprised at the general standard of the work. The number of water colours, on the whole, presented a higher standard than the oil paintings. In the oil painting section, however, there were a number of particularly outstanding works. Mrs. Whiteman was an accomplished artist and her works were well known, said Mr. McLennan.

In passing, he mentioned Mrs. Doust's paintings, which were noted lor their range and variety. Mr. T. L. Sperring’s works were characterised by a sincereity of purpose. Referring to H. C. Jenkins, Mr. McLennan said this artist's best effort in the exhibition was "Break of Day at Rotorua.” It was a very satisfying composition. Miss Shirley Hoult, of Wanganui, who is now on her way to London on a scholarship, was also referred to by Mr. McLennan. He said she had not gone the easy way. She had taken ligures and her draughtsmanship was very sound. He predicted a very promising future for her and said her visit to London would bring her into contact with all the eminent artists there. Mr. McLennan also referred to others who had exhibited, and complimented the hanging committee on the excellence of their work.

Mr. T. L. Sperring, president of the Wanganui Arts and Crafts Society, welcomed Mr. McLennan and expressed his pleasure at the large attendance, which was indicative of interest in the exhibition. He also referred to Miss Hoult, who he described as one of the most prominent members of the Arts and Crafts Society in Wanganui. In the past Wanganui had produced artists in music and song, and there was no reason why not in that type of art which the society sought to encour-

The vote of thanks to Mr. McLennan was moved by Cr. G. P. Hawkins, chairman of the Gallery Committee The Mayor (Hon. W. J. Rogers, M.L.C.) was associated with Cr. Hawkins in the vote ot thanks and said th’ey ail appreciated the visit of Mr. McLennan. The town clerk (Mr. C. R. White) was with the official party.